Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are an important aspect of the Government’s integrated trade, industry and innovation strategies. Strategically targeted FTAs which enhance multilateral and regional trade outcomes foster Australia’s international competitiveness by increasing innovative capacity, business capability and export performance. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has overarching policy responsibility for the negotiation of FTAs, but as part of a whole-of-government approach, the Department plays a key role in the negotiation and ongoing administration of FTAs, providing advice on issues as varied as tariffs, rules of origin, services, investment, trade remedies and technical and product standards.
Australia has existing FTAs with the United States, Thailand, New Zealand, Singapore and Chile. Further information on Australia’s completed FTAs can be obtained at www.dfat.gov.au/trade/ftas.html or www.austrade.gov.au/Free-Trade-Agreements/default.aspx.
The negotiations between ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand for a Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) were concluded at the 13th annual meeting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Closer Economic Relations (AEM-CER) in Singapore on 28 August 2008. The Agreement is expected to be signed early in 2009.
Australia has concluded preparatory talks for an FTA with South Korea. Once domestic consultations have been completed in early 2009, the Government will make a decision on whether to enter into formal FTA negotiations.
Australia is currently pursuing a range of FTA negotiations with key trading partners including China, Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), Japan and Malaysia.
Furthermore, Australia is undertaking studies to assess the benefits of pursuing an FTA with India, Indonesia and Mexico. Updated information will appear at these links.
Contact:
Ken Miley
General Manager
Trade & International Branch
Enterprise Connect Division
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
Telephone: (02) 6213 6600
E-mail: Ken.Miley@innovation.gov.au